Wheel Of Emotions.

If I was asked to describe myself in one sentence only, "Wheel of emotions" seems a somewhat appropriate term to use.
"I feel" is often an expression associated with my astrological sign of Cancer. As soon as emotions overcome me, logic is suppressed and my senses start to rule me. In those moments, I behave irrationally and become foolish. Like a ship lost at sea in a storm, I bounce of waves at the mercy of the raging waters, longing for a safe harbor and a solid anchor.

Intriguingly, emotions and their manifestation have been closely studied, as after all, it is not only our intellect that defines us. Our character and our individuality are shaped by our feelings as well. Robert Plutchik, a renowned psychologist actually did created a symbolic wheel of emotions in 1980. It consists of 8 basic emotions and 8 advanced emotions each with counterpart opposite.

The eight basic emotions in the wheel are: anger, fear, sadness, disgust, surprise, anticipation, acceptance, and joy. The advanced ones are: optimism, love, submission, awe, disappointment, remorse, contempt and aggressiveness.

Emotions help us in our survival. We make decisions in our present based on our past experiences, all closely tied to our perception of a decisions outcome. If it resulted in pain and sadness, it will most likely prevent us from going in the same direction again, while joy and happiness have the opposite effect.
Emotions can also direct our lives, as they tell us the state of our mental being. At one point or another in our lives, we succumb to the negative emotions that rule our thinking in a devastating way. Anything from fear, sadness and jealousy, those alone or in combination prevents us from moving on and living a healthy existence.

Science and psychology apart, emotions and feelings are a part of who we are. They distinguish us, make us compelling and compassionate and make us aware of the hidden beauty within and around us. Fortunate are those, who can keep them under control, but yet again, those of us who can not, for better or worse, are true artists at heart and soul. As it is this perception and this sensitivity to our surroundings and its overflow that is so eloquently captured and conveyed through music, the written word and the beauty of the versatile art in photography, sculptures and paintings.